Ode 4. Irmos.

Of The Bodiless Powers. Same Irmos.

Avvakoum with foreseeing eyes perceived you as a mountain overshadowed by the grace of God, from which, he foretold, the Holy One of Israel would come, for our salvation and refashioning.

To what shall I compare you, my wretched soul, who perform dreadful deeds and do no good ones? Turn back, cry out to him who for your sake willingly became poor: You who know the heart, take pity, save me.

You have appointed repentance, O Saviour, for those who turn back; grant me it, Good One Master, before the end of my life, giving me compunction and sighs, like the Harlot who once kissed your feet.

Of the Martyrs.

The Martyrs, filled with the streams of the Spirit, appeared by divine decree as rivers of living water, and by the Spirit, O Christ, dried up all the turbid torrents of error and watered the minds of the faithful.

Greatly did the godly Martyrs struggle; for they endured fire and sword and every dread penalty. At their entreaties, Word of God, deliver from the greatest and eternal punishment those who hymn you with faith.

The Son, who of old was born of the Father who is unbegotten, had his birth in time when he was born from you, O Virgin, for he wished as he is compassionate to abolish the long-time war of those born of earth, he who is beyond days and times.

The Thrones, who fill the first order, the Cherubim and Seraphim shine unceasingly with the rays of the Godhead, while ranked with divine Hierarchies, they now sing, ‘Glory to your power, O Lord!’

The Seraphim sing the praise of the threefold unity of the Godhead with thrice-holy hymns and never-silent voices, making clear the most pure mystery of theology and teaching the orthodox Faith.

The Cherubim who devoutly receive the out-pouring of wisdom and the breadth of knowledge of Wisdom itself, single and simple, imitating God grant them to those next in rank, transmitting to them their radiance.

The One who is perceived to be beyond all creation, truly accomplishing dread wonders beyond understanding of the life-giving fashioning of life, resplendent with bright glories of virginity, dwelt in your womb, O Immaculate.